[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 106 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4059, MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS 
                               ACT, 1999

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                               speech of

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 1998

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank my colleagues for 
their support of the Military Construction Appropriations Act. This is 
a bill for appropriations of military construction, family housing, and 
base realignment and closure for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
1999.
  Our military is the hegemon of the globe. We boast of having the 
strongest fighting force in the world, yet our soldiers go home every 
evening to homes that are simply not acceptable or safe. I commend the 
members of this House for their dedication to the men and women in our 
Armed Services.
  I believe this piece of legislation will make positive adjustments 
for the living conditions of our military personnel. I do understand 
that there is much more yet to do, however, I commend the Subcommittee 
for their outstanding efforts considering the means we were given to 
work with. I have personally seen the poor and unsafe living and 
working conditions we subject our soldiers to both here in the U.S. and 
abroad. The funds this House approved last night will go a long way in 
addressing many of these needs.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill goes much deeper than just appropriating 
funds, this legislation will keep the people who protect and serve our 
country safe.

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